Posts tagged “plumber”

Welcome readers this week from China and S. Korea. So while many think artists are always living the “star life” it’s often just like yours. My day started with a leaky shower head that decided to start leaking despite being quite new. It’s those moments when you sincerely wish you couldn’t just act or pretend to be a plumber or handyman but actually were one. So that led to a few trips to get hardware and ended up with a temp fix. We will be contacting the manufacturer due to the lifetime warranty. So my Sunday morning was not the peaceful one I had first imagined. So is life.

The week just flew by and I had so many things going. First development on MBF (Man’s Best Friend) continues with the announcement of Garry Nation and Melissa Anschutz joining the cast. We have many of our $ commits but are not quite far enough to move into pre-production. Also several new opportunities for cross-promotion (J-Roc) have developed. So while DJ the actor is disappointed a tad that instead of running the race it’s back to the barn for a few weeks. I might ACTUALLY be HOME for Halloween. That is nice. I enjoy doing that last film of the season just before Thanksgiving and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. I have adjusted and we’ll meet to target the after holiday window. We’ll be looking at Feb pre-production and March shoot. I’ve again had to remind myself of that spiritual storytelling reality that a project will birth when it is time. Don’t fight the flow and watch things unfold. Unfold they have…

WILD FAITH

I’ve had back and forth with our director Jesse and several others trying to finalize some specialized VFX within 10 sec of our footage. We’re close to zeroing in but have not as of yet. It is still all happening within the timeline of the music scoring which is in the final stretch. Very soon we’ll be doing a watch through with full music. The film was powerful when it was just sound effects so this next level will be awesome to watch/listen to. Stay tuned for new artwork and other extras as we get closer to bringing this to audiences.

Garry Nation in “Chasing the Star”

THE QUEST TRILOGY

I had some great marketing meetings this week and I’m excited. The films were praised for being epic and original. Many of the epic films being produced are remakes of great films like Ben Hur. It was brought up that if anything in a few decades filmmakers would be remaking these films. That was a unique way to look at it. I do have movies a few decades old still playing and finding new audiences. We’ll talk about one here shortly. So they (distributor/marketing) see the influence of Star Wars on the look and presentation of these films. And the unique/untold aspect to these films are also what excites them. The line in CHASING THE STAR that says something to the effect “They may not remember you but they’ll remember your deeds” – which is true. Many save certain scholars know of the existing patchwork history. When you talk the three wise men, faces don’t come to mind save plastic, wood or stone faces. I do hope that we will blaze new story ground in the mind’s of people when the think of Jesus in the desert, the magi’s plight and…well, you’ll have to watch THE CHRIST SLAYER next year. The first two films (FORTY NIGHTS & CHASING THE STAR) were sent to Texas for theatrical play this month and next. And, we’re at the end of finalizing the first foreign territory for CHASING THE STAR.

THE CHRIST SLAYER is progressing nicely on the visual and will be moving into music and sound in Jan. I will say that I’ve been watching the development of the poster for the film. COOL. That is my thoughts so far. It is just a great story again original in the presentation. Some beautiful characters creating beautiful moments. Lots planned for this title but no need to over promote when audiences should be watching Part 1 and Part 2.

WICKED SPRING – I’m happy to announce ahead of time to all of you that Bridgestone Multimedia Group will be releasing into the market place this wonderful Civil War story. I produced it with our team in 2000 and it rolled out in 2002 timeframe. We also just had the 150th anniversary so I wanted to re-release the film to celebrate that benchmark. The project will release in early 2018 and it is the first real digital release for it. Shot on 35 mm it was first released on VHS. I think the first audience was Civil War reenactors and history lovers. Now more of the mainstream will discover the film. And having used these fine people in our new film WILD FAITH I have something I wanted to say. These people/groups trying to attach some hate agenda to this living historian interest/profession is just wrong. Not sure of the facts but some of these events to raise money to preserve these historic sites had threats. People of all races and religions participate in these events. They have groups of black Americans who love history and are right they’re portraying the Colored Companies while some even portray Confederates. I’ve seen Asian and Indian people participating. These people united over a love of history. They dress and camp in the style of the period and talk, share and bond over history. These events promote understanding and healthy discussion. That has been my experience working with these people and if these threats are true that’s just too bad.

KNIGHT CHILLS – I’m going to look at the offer to have me attend a few of these comic cons. After listening to some of the fans out there I can see where it would be fun.

This week was great for meetings that looked at development of future CDI projects. Everything from financing to new distribution. Marketing to merchandising. I will just keep walking the path and crossing off the TO DO’s.

I’m gonna sign off and I’m sure I missed a few updates. Enjoy the season and we’ll talk next week. Thank you for stopping by.

What will become of mankind? The Devil & Jesus debate the fate of mankind.

The coffee is tasting great on this fine morning. I have to say that the last two weeks have been extremely busy but also productive. Let me think of something that transpired this last week that would be a good lesson to illustrate.

BE DEFINED BY WHAT YOU SAY NO TO

Equally – as much as one can become defined by what they do they can also be defined but what they don’t do. Inaction can be a good or a bad thing pending. It is why great care should be taken in choosing to participate or not. IF you look at what we do as just a hobby, sport, recreational, way to belong/meet people – YES tends to be used more freely.

IF you are doing it as a career (main income) the YES becomes something that only happens after much exploratory conversations.

Let’s look at three things that will most definitely get a NO

1) “Experience not needed” – Yes. I’ve seen this on casting posts. I would not hire an electrician, a plumber or a dentist with this mentality. It says that a person or company has not yet grasped how valuable cast is to a final project. And it has to be CAST as a whole. One powerful performer surrounded by stiff, clueless performers will ruin a scene. You must take care with ALL your casting. And yes, experience is preferred.

2) State that the project is PAID or not right off. It respects the time of artists. Professional established talent will not work for free. If a professional talent took time to read your script and perhaps do a read – what a waste of time if it is revealed to be a credit thing. Now IF you have zero credits – do it. Fight for 30-60 seconds of great footage that can sell you onto professional films. Most of those hobby films have bright moments they just can’t keep that throughout the film. So, save yourself time and ask about PAY right away. The common come back is WE WANT PASSIONATE ARTISTS WHO CARE ABOUT THE ART VERSUS THE MONEY. Guess what? WE WANT A PRODUCTION COMPANY THAT CARES ENOUGH ABOUT THE END PRODUCT THAT THEY HIRE WHAT THEY NEED. I was about to use a camera as an example of paying for what will serve a film best BUT… I see people get nice cameras and bad glass (lenses) so that example is not going to work. Another good example is like the ultra low SAG films that use union and non-union. Non-Union for an actual role doesn’t mean we don’t pay because we don’t have to. We pay all main talent union or not because we want strong talent. In summary – once established don’t work for free.

3) SCRIPT – recognize that the script is the blue print by which every department works with. First ALWAYS read a full script before accepting a role. If the script is poorly formatted or too short/long in page count for a feature that equals TROUBLE. Someone who has it all “up here” or we “make it up as we go” – RUN!
Lack of proper script, pay or understanding of the importance of experience will always get a NO from me. I know that a few smug artists (while misguided I do still consider you artists) will argue that they can use all volunteers, not pay and make up a script on the fly and still succeed. That formula has a small % of success. Magazines will raise up and praise those that do succeed despite themselves. But that is not the norm and they never showcase the countless failed artists and the messes they created often with others money. So if you broke all those rules and you still got a powerful piece with major distribution – congrats. I look forward to seeing your masterpiece.

Okay, how about we get onto some updates? Yes!

This week we were working on some distribution artwork for “Donors” and “Bestseller” is next on deck. The domestic deals on these two films are done and 1st quarter of 2016 will see these release. “Bestseller” additional theatricals are in the works.

I don’t have all the details but worldwide on “The Terrorist” was signed. I enjoyed the people I worked with on this film very much. It was one of the hottest summers on record and that was less than cool. But the final film is what matters and we have something special to share.

“Ashes of Eden” – We might have a special encore showing in a theater before it releases on Oct. 13th with Lightworx Ent.

“40 Nights” – the kick off release of the trailer kicked off a lot buzz. Some of the business talks in the wake of this has been exciting. Buyers are starting to get their first look and next week we finalize the licensing management agreement. If you want to create product to sell using the “40 Nights” brand feel free to reach out and I will put you in touch with the right parties. We have some interested parties already and the opportunities are building.

On a Tee Shirt? Lunch Box? Coffee Mug?

The film tweaks have been made and the transition to full post audio music and sound design is underway. The work starts Monday and I’m beyond thrilled.

This week look for an exciting announcement with “40 Nights” and onto development.

DEVELOPMENT

We have been getting some great acting reels in from talent around the country for a pair of upcoming CDI projects. The 1st being a western and the 2nd another biblical drama. It will also get announced that the western has been given a letter of intent by Lightworx for worldwide distribution. They are already on board the 2nd biblical film as part of our 3 picture deal with them.

I’m enjoying having the distribution in place ahead of time. I enjoy the collaboration with the people selling for us. It is nice to discuss things in the script stage. Watch for many more announcements on these two films.

OK. Off to deal with BUDGET rental car charge on my production credit card. I’ve had issues with them on two different times. I think it might be time for a company move to another rental company.